Trenton, NJ – A former Jersey City Board of Education president has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in a corruption case tied to efforts to steer government contracts, state officials announced Friday.

Sudhan Thomas, 50, of Jersey City, admitted in court to conspiracy to commit bribery in official and political matters, a third-degree crime. The plea came before Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober in Somerset County on September 5.

Prosecutors said Thomas pocketed $35,000 in cash bribes from a tax attorney during two meetings in 2019, promising to use his position on the school board—and a potential City Council seat—to help secure public contracts for the attorney’s law firm. Law enforcement intercepted Thomas immediately after he accepted the second $25,000 payment.

Under the plea

See Full Page